Tennessee Football Recruiting: Vols working to lock down another top-10 class

Coming off a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 and a top-3 finish in the SEC, Tennessee has its eyes on another strong recruiting class.

After finishing 11th nationally in last year’s On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, the Vols sit at No.12 this year midway through the all-important month of June. Dozens of official visits will make their way to Knoxville in the next four weeks, and Josh Heupel and Co. are hoping to add them to an already strong start in the class.

The Vols already have 10 commitments in the fold, including five-star Grimsley (N.C.) quarterback Faizon Brandon, the crown jewel of the class. Brandon chose the Vols in August 2024 over dozens of other offers, and he’s locked in to be a major piece of this group.

“I started feeling Tennessee a while ago,” Brandon told On3 when he committed. “They started recruiting me early, and the first impression they made on me was unlike any other. The staff recruited me hard from the get-go, they kept it steady with me and they pushed so hard to get me. All of that made an impact on why I picked them.”

The 6-foot-3.5, 195-pounder threw for more than 2,100 yards and 27 touchdowns last fall, while completing a laser-sharp 76% of his passes. He’s flanked on the offensive side of the ball by a pair of talented wideouts, a blue-chip tight end and four-star offensive tackle Gabe Osenda.

On the defensive side, Tennessee holds five early commits — two at the EDGE spot, one at linebacker and two new additions at the safety position. Four of their 10 commits are in-state prospects, while five check in as blue-chippers (four- or five-star recruits).

Tennessee commitments by position

Quarterback
Five-star Faizon Brandon, No. 12 NATL. (No. 3 QB)

Wide receiver
Four-star Tyreek King, No. 120 NATL. (No. 17 WR)
Three-star Tyran Evans, No. 529 NATL. (No. 81 WR)

Tight end
Four-star Carson Sneed, No. 320 NATL. (No. 16 TE)

Offensive tackle
Four-star Gabriel Osenda, No. 156 NATL. (No. 13 OT)

EDGE
Four-star Zach Groves, No. 251 NATL. (No. 28 EDGE)
Three-star CJ Edwards, No. 567 NATL. (No. 57 EDGE)

Linebacker
Three-star Braylon Outlaw, No. 582 NATL. (No. 47 LB)

Safety
Three-star KJ McClain, No. 517 NATL. (No. 44 S)
Three-star Luke Thompson, No. 1002 NATL. (No. 92 S)